Question:

Which of the following pigment majorly contributes for yellowness in wheat flour?

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Durum wheat (used for pasta) is specifically bred for high Xanthophyll content to give pasta its bright yellow color!
  • Carotenoids
  • Flavonoids
  • Anthocyanins
  • Xanthophyll
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the specific group of pigments responsible for the natural creamy-yellow color of freshly milled wheat flour.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


Wheat Pigments: The endosperm of the wheat kernel contains natural pigments.
Xanthophylls: These are a sub-class of carotenoids that contain oxygen. In wheat, the primary pigment is Lutein, which belongs to the xanthophyll group.

Yellowness: Xanthophylls provide the characteristic "creamy" or pale yellow tint to the flour. In many countries, flour is "bleached" using chemical agents (like benzoyl peroxide) to oxidize these pigments and make the flour pure white.

Other Options:
Carotenoids (Option A): While Xanthophyll is a type of carotenoid, in the specific context of cereal chemistry exams, "Xanthophyll" is the more precise and intended technical answer for wheat flour yellowness.
Flavonoids/Anthocyanins: These typically contribute reds, blues, and purples in other plants, but are not the primary pigments in the wheat endosperm.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Xanthophyll (specifically Lutein) is the major pigment responsible for the yellowness of wheat flour.
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